Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a hardy native heirloom wildflower known for its tall spires of lavender-purple blooms and its ability to thrive in tough, dry soils. It is easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners and pollinator-friendly landscapes. This perennial thrives in prairies, meadows, and sunny garden borders, where it adds vertical interest and provides nectar for a wide variety of beneficial insects. Its flowers are especially attractive to butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
Heirloom
Organic
Non-GMO
Open Pollinated
Untreated
US Grown
Growing instructions included
Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
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Common Names: Hoary Vervain, Woolly Verbena
Latin Name: Verbena stricta
Type: Flower
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Stratification: Cold stratification recommended (30–60 days)
Germination Ease: Moderate
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Dry to medium, drought tolerant
Soil: Sandy, rocky, or well-drained soils; tolerates poor soils
Height: 2 – 5 feet
Spread: 1 – 2 feet
Color: Lavender to purple blooms with gray-green foliage
Bloom Season: Summer (June–September)
Companion Plants: Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, butterfly milkweed
Potential Toxicity: None known
Climate Adaptability: Excellent drought tolerance, adapted to prairies and open fields
• Sowing
When to Sow Outside:
Best sown in late fall outdoors to allow natural cold stratification, or in early spring after a period of cold treatment.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Cold stratify seeds for 30–60 days in moist medium in the refrigerator, then sow in trays under lights.
Days to Emerge:
14–30 days after stratification
Seed Depth:
Surface sow or lightly press into soil; requires light to germinate
Seed Spacing:
6–12 inches apart
Row Spacing:
12–18 inches apart
Hardiness:
Cold-hardy perennial; highly tolerant of heat and drought once established
• Growing
Soil:
Prefers sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils; tolerant of poor soils. Requires good drainage.
Watering:
Drought-tolerant once established. Water seedlings regularly until established, then only during extended droughts.
Light and Temperature:
Requires full sun for best flowering. Thrives in hot, dry climates.
Maintenance:
Low-maintenance wildflower. Deadheading can prolong blooming, though many gardeners allow seeds to mature to support wildlife and natural reseeding.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in large containers, but prefers open garden settings for best growth.
• Harvesting
When to Harvest:
Flowers can be cut for arrangements throughout summer. Allow plants to remain for wildlife forage and reseeding.
How to Harvest:
Cut flower spikes at the base when blooms are open.
Drying and Storing:
Flower spikes may be dried by hanging upside down in a cool, dark place. Seeds can be collected when dry.
Edible Use:
Not commonly used for culinary purposes.
• Seed Saving
Seed Collection:
Allow flower spikes to dry on the plant. Seeds mature in late summer to fall.
Seed Cleaning:
Shake or rub dry seed heads to release small seeds.
Seed Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Additional Information
Forage for Pollinators:
A pollinator magnet, Hoary Vervain is especially beloved by butterflies, native bees, and bumblebees. It is also a host plant for the common buckeye butterfly.
Origin:
Native to North American prairies, meadows, and open fields.
Nomenclature:
The name “Verbena” comes from a Latin term meaning sacred plant, while “stricta” refers to its upright growth habit.
History:
Hoary Vervain has long been valued as a hardy prairie wildflower, often included in native restoration projects for its ability to thrive in poor soils and harsh conditions while supporting pollinators.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.
Climate Adaptability:
Adapted to drought-prone areas and extreme temperatures. Ideal for xeriscaping, prairie gardens, and pollinator habitats.
